Endogenous overexpression of Poplar MYB186 increases trichome density, improves growth rate and insect pest resistance

ABSTRACT: Trichomes are specialised epidermal cells that generally play a role in reducing transpiration and act as a deterrent to herbivory. In a screen of activation tagged Populus tremula x P. alba 717-1B4 trees, we identified a mutant line, fuzzy, with increased foliar trichome density. This mutant also had a 35% increase in growth rate and a 200% increase in the rate of photosynthesis as compared to wild-type poplar. The fuzzy mutant had significant resistance to feeding by larvae of the white spotted tussock moth (Orgyia leucostigma), a generalist insect pest of poplar trees. The fuzzy phenotype is attributable to activation tagging and increased expression of the gene encoding PtaMYB186, which is related to Arabidopsis thaliana MYB106, a known regulator of trichome initiation. The fuzzy phe

ORGANISM(S): Populus tremula x Populus alba

SUBMITTER: Sharon Regan 

PROVIDER: E-GEOD-21061 | biostudies-arrayexpress |

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-arrayexpress